What is CrossFit Training?
CrossFit has taken the fitness industry by storm. Many individuals have achieved their fitness and weight loss goals through this style of training. Along with many individuals’ accomplishments, CrossFit has also built a motivating community of like-minded people. But what is CrossFit training?
Generally, CrossFit characterizes itself as a lifestyle that involves effective and efficient training and nutrition. The workouts are different every day, and it’s encouraged to reduce your carb intake for the nutrition side of things. These workouts involve high-intensity interval training, which is thought to burn fat, build muscle, and boost one’s metabolism. In turn, you improve both your cardiovascular fitness and your strength.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the world of CrossFit. We’ll go over the benefits, the movements involved, who it’s good for and who it’s not, and outline any health risks involved.
The Benefits of CrossFit
CrossFit has various benefits, including:
Improved Physical Strength
Many CrossFit movements are compound movements, which means you’re working multiple muscle groups at once. Adding weight further increases your strength.
Improved Cardiovascular Fitness
CrossFit's high-intensity training style works your lungs and heart, which can lead to improvements in endurance and aerobic fitness.
Better Balance and Flexibility
These compound movements frequently involve functional movements that you perform throughout your day-to-day. As such, CrossFit may help you prevent falls, which many are at an increased risk of as they age, and improve your flexibility, keeping you mobile at any age.
Burns Calories
The interval workout involved in CrossFit burns several calories, even after you’re done your workout. This can lead to weight loss and better weight maintenance.
Community
CrossFit has done a great job of building a supportive and motivating community. Everyone cheers each other on — no matter where you are at during your fitness journey.
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Movements and Exercises Performed with CrossFit Training
A CrossFit workout involves interval-style training. It combines plyometric moves, weightlifting, kettlebells, explosive movements, and functional movements — giving you the best of all worlds.
Each day a brand new workout is prescribed. Yet, each exercise within the workout can be modified for different fitness levels. This means that beginners and advanced CrossFitters can reap the benefits and get in their workout each day, no matter what workout is on the board.
Who is CrossFit Good For?
CrossFit caters to a wide range of individuals. These include:
- Individuals who want to get into weight training; CrossFit can teach you what lifts to do and how to do them
- Those who need or want support and community for motivation to workout
- Individuals that love a workout and love not having to think too hard about it
- Those that want an efficient workout that doesn’t take up much of their time
- Former athletes
Who Should Avoid It?
At the same time, CrossFit isn’t best for everyone. When it comes to exercise and health, there often isn’t a one-size-fits-all. As such, those with shoulder problems or injuries (of any kind!) may want to avoid CrossFit. CrossFit tends to be quite fast-paced. If you’re nursing an injury and new to a lot of the moves, you may unknowingly re-aggravate it or re-injure yourself.
If you intend on competing in a particular sport, CrossFit might also not be right for you. Moreso, you’ll want to perform exercises that build on your performance and technique in your sport of choice.
Meanwhile, some other individuals simply love working out alone to their own jam. If that’s you, you may not enjoy the community that CrossFit has to offer. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay!
Does CrossFit Come with Any Health Risks?
CrossFit is relatively safe. Yet, it does come with some precautions. There is a high risk of injury with high intensity, especially lower back pain, shoulder issues, tendonitis, knee injuries, and more.
If you’re new to CrossFit, make sure you inform the coach and get the proper instruction on how to execute each exercise.
Lastly, CrossFit isn’t suitable for pregnant individuals, individuals with serious health issues or concerns, and more. We recommend discussing your options with your doctor before signing up for CrossFit, especially if you are over 65.
The Bottom Line
CrossFit can be an excellent workout. It’s very effective at building strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing cardiovascular function.
At the same time, if you have a previous injury or health concern, it pays to be cautious. When it comes to exercise, there are a ton of options out there. You’re very likely to find a suitable form of exercise for you, your body, and your health. But keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you have to do CrossFit. There’s also yoga, basic weight training, walking, cycling, dancing, Pilates, and more.
So, take your pick! Remember, the best form of exercise is the one you enjoy and can stick to.